The Big Squeeze

To the Editors:

I would like to know why your cover depicted the paw of the Russian bear caught in a steel trap in Afghanistan [Jan. 28] when it is the U.S. that is behaving like a wounded animal?

Karl M. Rabenold Blue Bell, Pa.

The Soviet military action in Afghanistan is the response to the inconsistencies of Western powers' policies toward the U.S.S.R. in the past. It is appalling to see that while there is a choice of doing something about it, the Western powers choose to wait until it's too late to act at all.

Janko E. Svarc Caracas

You say that "many experts believe that Carter's zigzagging policy has confused, irritated and at times infuriated the Soviets," consequently contributing to, even promoting, the Afghanistan invasion. Is it fair to blame the bearer of the olive branch for the escalation of conflicts around the world? The mistake, the act, the crime is the Soviets' aggression.

Michael Brady Fayetteville, N.C.

Three cheers for Margaret Thatcher and the people of Great Britain, who, in the spirit of Winston Churchill, have come to our side in this hour of challenge to the U.S. and NATO.

John F. Gibbons Woodland Park, Colo.

Since the Soviets have taken Afghanistan, I think the Americans should just grab Cuba.

Jochen Brecht Hamburg, West Germany

Whose Liberte?

The French Foreign Minister says that "France is not America's farmyard" [Jan. 28] but conveniently forgets that his country was a graveyard for Americans who fought for France's freedom. I guess it all depends on whose liberte, egalite and fraternite are on the line!

Harriette B. Wagner Northbrook, Ill.

The Olympics and Politics

So the Soviet authorities have sent the courageous and brilliant Andrei Sakharov to internal exile [Feb. 4]. We are sharply reminded of the Soviets' general policy of clamping down on dissidents in anticipation of the increased presence of Westerners during the Moscow Olympics.

Let those who condemn the mixing of politics with sports take note of what this year's Olympics venue means for the brave souls who dare to speak out against abuse of power in the Soviet Union.

Philip H. Johnstone Saint-Cyr-l'Ecole, France

The possible measures to prevent U.S. athletes from participation in the 1980 Olympics are supposed to be an act of retaliation against the Soviet Union. In practice, however, it poses a threat to the world athletic movement and every other form of international cooperation. The political aim of such a boycott is to divide that unique fraternity of athletes and subvert all other forms of their international cooperation.

Spartak Beglov Moscow

Test-Tube Babies

What a foolish statement Biologist Ruth Hubbard made, saying that in vitro fertilization reinforces society's notions that women's lives are worthless unless they bear children [Jan. 21]. No one is forcing fertilization on anyone, but now unfertile women have another option. It's quite miraculous.

Marilyn Rosen Los Angeles

George Meany

In your tribute to George Meany [Jan. 21], you failed to mention his strong and unflinching support for Israel. When conservatives tilted toward the Arabs for oil and liberals became enamored of P.L.O. killers, Meany and the AFL-CIO remained firm. Israel and its friends shall never forget this magnificent man.

Lawrence R. Kates Oshkosh, Wis.

Goodbye, George Meany. From plumber to labor union president: a classic example of the American Dream.

James B. Boucher Lafayette, Calif.

Your article about George Meany captured my own sentiments about this noble American. As I walked by his casket, I could not help recalling his courageous position on many issues, especially Viet Nam. For many of us who served in Southeast Asia, he provided a source of comfort and support during moments of national doubt and hesitation.

Charles A. Krohn

Lieut. Colonel, U.S.A.

Falls Church, Va.

Now that George Meany is gone, let America remember him for what he contributed most to our country: inflation.

Stephen Conn Virginia Beach, Va.

Knocking "Dr. Nick"

I have just finished reading your article on Elvis Presley's physician, "Dr. Nick" [Jan. 28]. I must say that the entire review of the case by a board of medical examiners is nothing short of a farce. The thought of the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners finding this menace a "valuable member of the medical profession" is terrifying and appalling.

Merrily Riesebeck Springfield, N.J.

And this is the medical profession that has assumed the right to make life-and-death choices. When are we going to realize that ethical decisions must be confronted by each person in our society? The issues at stake are too important to be monopolized by an elitist group.

Nancy E. Reilly, R.N. Farmington Hills, Mich.

Penmanship

The nation's penmakers, complaining about Americans' penmanship [Jan. 28], seem to have overlooked an important cause of the problem. Even a reasonably beautiful handwriting can be reduced to uncontrolled scrawl by the penmakers' own device, the ballpoint. John Hancock's controlled cursive would have been simply impossible with a ballpoint pen.

H. Wendell Smith Marina Del Rey, Calif.

As an attorney, I consider words my most precious and useful tools. When I must prepare a particularly complex brief or sensitive letter, I return to the pen. The hand operates at a slower pace befitting the labored cadences at which most of us make better sense.

Wayne A. Vander Byl Williamson, N. Y.

The #|$)#$SI$-L-demise of legiblye hand is compensated for by the dl&e' clarity of the typewritten word.

Robert G. Hillman M.D. Santa Fe, N. Mex.

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